Is it better to tough it out, or take the medication when feeling anxiety?

Posted by admin | Posted in anxiety attacks | Posted on 07-03-2010

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If you have an anxiety attack and you have a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication (as needed), is it best to try to tough it out without the medication, or is it best to take medication?

I am in the same situation and I choose to take the meds as needed. I have three kids and an anxiety attack can lead to strokes and heart attacks. No way am I missing out on my kids.

Comments (20)

joyceeleann said on 07-03-2010
	I am in the same situation and I choose to take the meds as needed. I have three kids and an anxiety attack can lead to strokes and heart attacks. No way am I missing out on my kids. References :

bluejeans_eyes said on 07-03-2010
	I’m all for toughing it out for a few minnutes … Then go with the xanax or ativan. References :

d_magical_s_sweetness said on 07-03-2010
	Take the medicine, that’s why it is there. Maybe one day you will be able to handle your anxiety w/o use of medicine. But, if you think you can now, go ahead. I just don’t see why you should suffer when the meds are there =) References :

Dee Dee said on 07-03-2010
	It really depends on the intensity of your anxiety attack. Personally, my anxiety is 24/7, and if I don’t take my Ativan as prescribed, well lets just say it’s not a pretty picture. Perhaps at your next med check with the prescribing doctor, you can discuss your circumstances. Best of luck to you!! References :

Jen K said on 08-03-2010
	Who’s to say what’s best. There is so much about anxiety that even psychiatrists do not know. Do what works for you. I would personally try to hold off on medication, but if you feel terrible, what else can you do? Have you looked into Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? Do you have a phobia or do your panic attacks just occur spontaneously for no apparent reason? References :

Helga J said on 08-03-2010

What tools have you been given to deal with your anxiety on a non-chemical level? We as a society rely way too much on a chemical solution to our living problems – I would always opt and encourage natural methods over medicines. But, hey, no heroics – if you’re spinning out of control & you’re about to jump out of your skin ’cause you can’t handle it, definitely use what the doctor prescribed. But do follow your instinct, too.
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none said on 08-03-2010
	Take it as needed. You have a medical condition originating in the chemicals in your brain, you have acute anxiety attacks. If you were a diabetic you would shoot insulin as needed, wouldn’t you? Take the meds. References :

bobhayes said on 08-03-2010
	I would say take the meds. Best wishes and God bless. References :

barbara n said on 08-03-2010
	hi, you should take anxiety medication,if you have anxiety,don"t even try to tough it out,anxiety is nothing to play around with. hope i was some help for you, BARBARA, References :

car_craze_gal said on 08-03-2010
	I am taking BuSpar on a regular twice daily doseage and feel great If you need something for anxiety.. by all means take it and don’t let it get the best of you References :

Patricia S said on 08-03-2010

For attacks I feel toughing it out, for generalized anxiety maybe medication is better. If you have had an attack before and you realize that you need to change your breathing and that this too shall pass, then go ahead and keep talking yourself out of them. If they are out of control and are significantly interfering with your life, then maybe meds. As a general rule if you can make it without the meds, do it. But some people can’t so don’t feel less of a person if you are one of them OK? Hope this helps and take care OK?
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JenF said on 08-03-2010
	Take the medication. If your doctor didn’t think that you needed it, he wouldn’t have prescribed it to you. References :

Dave FD said on 08-03-2010

general rule of thumb: take the medication, unless you suspect you’re overdoing it. But, generally, take it. People who tell you otherwise are usually people who don’t suffer anxiety, and are probably suspicious of medications for things like this. I have long had a fear of flying, but I’ve taken anti-anxiety medications on every trip for two years now. The last time I flew (a month ago), I was surprised to find I didn’t need take the medication- the anxiety was gone. Don’t be a hero. Be kind to yourself. Don’t put yourself through torture just because of what other people might think. Life is too short to spend having panic attacks. Just take the pill.
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brbgrl4 said on 08-03-2010

I too suffer from clinical anxiety I have been prescribed medication in the past but never took it instead I joined a group where we discussed our anxiety identified our "suds levels" and used other techniques like breathing and re-focus. I found the group to be very helpful, but stopped going because my anxiety became worse as I worried about my husband’s and daughter’s trip to and from the clinic to drop me off. I am a believer in medication however if there is no other form of help being used.
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mandm said on 08-03-2010
	I always try to tough it out, but sometimes the anxiety attack is so overwhelming that you can’t do it. It’s better to take your medication when you can’t fight the anxiety anymore.There is no need for you to suffer more than you can handle. That’s why the medication is always the best thing to do in that situation. References :

a b said on 08-03-2010
	If you have been taking it for less than a month, you should wait to see what is going to happen when it kicks in. If you are after that point, it is time to try a new one. Hang in there. I am going through it too. References : Personal experience

canadaboyjake said on 08-03-2010

You need to get the book – "the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" – will change your life. I chose to not take meds and learned that its not a life sentence. Havnt had a problem – have my moments but they can be overcome without meds. The NUMBER ONE thing that helped was to understand that its NOT a disorder or mental problem. Just your body reacting to something. You have to figure that out and it not always mental – could me something as simple as diet and excercise.
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Washington said on 08-03-2010
	Toughing it out will help you get stronger for future attacks, however I would build up to that. I would take the medicine for now. References :

bluesun said on 08-03-2010
	take the meds and drink water and exercise. References :

Carley said on 08-03-2010
	Drugs are great!!! Just kidding.. If you can tough it out then thats one less thing in life your body become dependent on… When I have Panic attacks Ive learned to just breathe sloooooow deep breaths,, i will still have a lump in my throat and be shakey, but within time it passes…………. References :